Refining Chandra/ACIS Subpixel Event Repositioning Using a Backside Illuminated CCD Model

Subpixel event repositioning (SER) techniques have been demonstrated to significantly improve the already unprecedented spatial resolution of Chandra X-ray imaging with the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS). Chandra CCD SER techniques are based on the premise that the impact position of events can be refined, based on the distribution of charge among affected CCD pixels. ACIS SER models proposed thus far are restricted to corner split (3- and 4-pixel) events, and assume that such events take place at the split pixel corners. To improve the event counting statistics, we modified the ACIS SER algorithms to include 2-pixel split events and single pixel events, using refined estimates for photon impact locations. Furthermore, simulations that make use of a high-fidelity backside illuminated (BI) CCD model demonstrate that mean photon impact positions for split events are energy dependent leading to further modification of subpixel event locations according to event type and energy, for BI ACIS devices. Testing on Chandra CCD X-ray observations of the Orion Nebula Cluster indicates that these modified SER algorithms further improve the spatial resolution of Chandra/ACIS, to the extent that the spreading in the spatial distribution of photons is dominated by the High Resolution Mirror Assembly, rather than by ACIS pixelization.Comment: 23 pages, 8 figures, 2nd version, submitted to Ap

The Coronal X-ray Spectrum of the Multiple Weak-Lined T Tauri Star System HD 98800

We present high-resolution X-ray spectra of the multiple (hierarchical quadruple) weak-lined T Tauri star system HD 98800, obtained with the High Energy Transmission Gratings Spectrograph (HETGS) aboard the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO). In the zeroth-order CXO/HETGS X-ray image, both principle binary components of HD 98800 (A and B, separation 0.8'') are detected; component A was observed to flare during the observation. The infrared excess (dust disk) component, HD 98800B, is a factor ~4 fainter in X-rays than the apparently ``diskless'' HD 98800A, in quiescence. The line ratios of He-like species (e.g., Ne IX, O VII) in the HD 98800A spectrum indicate that the X-ray-emitting plasma around HD 98800 is in a typical coronal density regime (log n <~ 11). We conclude that the dominant X-ray-emitting component(s) of HD 98800 is (are) coronally active. The sharp spectral differences between HD 98800 and the classical T Tauri star TW Hya demonstrate the potential utility of high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy in providing diagnostics of pre-main sequence accretion processes.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures; to appear in the Astrophysical Journal (Letters

Evidence for Accretion in the High-resolution X-ray Spectrum of the T Tauri Star System Hen 3-600

We present high-resolution X-ray spectra of the multiple T Tauri star system Hen 3-600, obtained with the High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrograph on the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Two binary components were detected in the zeroth-order image. Hen 3-600-A, which has a large mid-infrared excess, is a 2-3 times fainter in X-rays than Hen 3-600-B, due to a large flare on B. The dispersed X-ray spectra of the two primary components overlap spatially; spectral analysis was performed on the combined system. Analysis of the individual spectra was limited to regions where the contributions of A and B can be disentangled. This analysis results in two lines of evidence indicating that the X-ray emission from Hen 3-600 is derived from accretion processes: line ratios of O VII indicate that the characteristic density of its X-ray-emitting plasma is large; a significant component of low-temperature plasma is present and is stronger in component A. These results are consistent with results obtained from X-ray gratings spectroscopy of more rapidly accreting systems. All of the signatures of Hen 3-600 that are potential diagnostics of accretion activity -- X-ray emission, UV excess, H-alpha emission, and weak infrared excess -- suggest that its components represent a transition phase between rapidly accreting, classical T Tauri stars and non-accreting, weak-lined T Tauri stars.Comment: latex, 27 pages, 12 figures, 6 tables; accepted by Ap

Chandra/ACIS Subpixel Event Repositioning. II. Further Refinements and Comparison between Backside and Front-side Illuminated X-ray CCDs

We further investigate subpixel event repositioning (SER) algorithms in application to Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) CCD imaging. SER algorithms have been applied to backside illuminated (BI) Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) devices, and demonstrate spatial resolution improvements in Chandra/ACIS observations. Here a new SER algorithm that is charge split dependent is added to the SER family. We describe the application of SER algorithms to frontside illuminated (FI) ACIS devices. The results of SER for FI CCDs are compared with those obtained from SER techniques applied to BI CCD event data. Both simulated data and Chandra/ACIS observations of the Orion Nebular Cluster were used to test and evaluate the achievement of the various SER techniques.Comment: 30 pages, 9 figures, submitted to Ap

Retinoid receptors and binding proteins

Skip to Next Section Retinoids, in particular all-trans retinoic acid (T-RA), are essential for normal development and homeostasis of vertebrates. Although many effects of retinoids, particularily with regard to teratogenicity, have been described in the literature, the mechanisms by which these simple signalling molecules work has only recently begun to be elucidated. We now recognize at least two classes of retinoid-binding proteins and two families of retinoid receptors. The ultimate interpretation of the retinoid signal within a given cell is probably the result of a complex series of interactions between these proteins, yet little is understood concerning the role each member of this signalling pathway plays. It is therefore imperative to dissect the molecular mechanisms which transduce the effects of these ligands, both in vivo and in isolated systems. One approach we are employing is gene targeting of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and cellular retinoid-binding proteins to generate mice in which one or more of these genes has been functionally inactivated

Evidence for Accretion: High-Resolution X-ray Spectroscopy of the Classical T Tauri Star TW Hydrae

We present high resolution X-ray spectra of the X-ray bright classical T Tauri star, TW Hydrae, covering the wavelength range of 1.5-25 AA. The differential emission measure derived from fluxes of temperature-sensitive emission lines shows a plasma with a sharply peaked temperature distribution, peaking at log T = 6.5. Abundance anomalies are apparent, with iron very deficient relative to oxygen, while neon is enhanced relative to oxygen. Density-sensitive line ratios of Ne IX and O VII indicate densities near log n_e = 13. A flare with rapid (~1 ks) rise time was detected during our 48 ksec observation; however, based on analysis of the emission-line spectrum during quiescent and flaring states, the derived plasma parameters do not appear strongly time-dependent. The inferred plasma temperature distribution and densities are consistent with a model in which the bulk of the X-ray emission from TW Hya is generated via mass accretion from its circumstellar disk. Assuming accretion powers the X-ray emission, our results for log n_e suggest an accretion rate of ~10^{-8} M_sun yr^{-1}.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figures; to appear in the Astrophysical Journal, March 1, 200

Stellar Coronal Spectroscopy with the Chandra HETGS

Spectroscopy with the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer provides details on X-ray emission and activity from young and cool stars through resolution of emission lines from a variety of ions. We are beginning to see trends in activity regarding abundances, emission measures, and variability. Here we contrast spectra of TV Crt, a weak-lined T Tauri star, with TW Hya, a Classical T Tauri star. TV Crt has a spectrum more like magnetic activity driven coronae, relative to the TW Hya spectrum, which we have interpreted as due to accretion-produced X-rays. We have also observed the long period system, IM Pegasi to search for rotational modulation, and to compare activity in a long period active binary to shorter period systems and to the pre-main sequence stars. We detected no rotational modulation, but did see long-duration flares.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures; to be published in IAU Symposium 219: "Stars as Suns: Activity, Evolution, Planets" (Ed. A. Dupree and A. O. Benz

Effect of sintering temperature on properties of transparent YSZ-ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering

Transparent yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics were sintered with the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method at different temperatures. The influence of sintering temperature (1200-1400°С) on the ceramics microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated and discussed